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Capstone Abstract
This doctoral capstone project examined the development, implementation, and evaluation of occupation-based interventions and staff-support tools designed to promote housing stability and daily life skills among members of the Queen City Clubhouse (QCC). Three primary initiatives were completed. First, individualized 1:1 life-skills interventions were delivered to address home management, budgeting, time management, communication with housing providers, and other routines essential for maintaining stable housing. Six members participated in a six-week program and demonstrated statistically significant improvements in overall quality of life, financial quality of life, and reduced symptom distress. These outcomes highlight the value of client-centered, context-based occupational therapy within community mental health. Second, an eviction-prevention flowchart was created to outline key stages of the eviction process alongside recommended staff actions. QCC staff reviewed and refined the tool to enhance accuracy, clarity, and usability. The finalized flowchart provides a structured framework to identify early risk factors, guide decision-making, and promote consistent responses across eviction-related situations. Third, an Eviction Action Log, a fillable, crisis-oriented documentation tool, was designed to support staff in organizing urgent housing information, coordinating interventions, and recognizing patterns across member cases. Pilot testing with four members indicated improved staff organization, greater confidence in managing housing crises, and increased awareness of available resources. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how occupational therapy can address social determinants of health like housing stability within community-based mental health programs. The project contributes practical tools and evidence supporting the integration of individualized interventions and structured eviction-prevention resources in Clubhouse settings, reinforcing OT’s role in promoting member recovery, participation, and long-term stability.
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Key Terms
Homelessness; Clubhouse Model; Life Skills
Student Contact
emily.malek@sbcglobal.net
Recommended Citation
Malek, Emily, "OT Intervention to Improve Life Skills for Sustained Housing: Community-Based Intervention Study" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 22.
https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/ot_capstone/22
